Chapter 3 - The Silent Vow
Ronan Castellano did not look like a businessman returning early from a successful negotiation.
He looked like a dangerous predator preparing for an all-out war.
He walked slowly down the hall, his piercing gray eyes locked unblinkingly on his wife.
"What exactly is going on here?" Ronan asked, his voice deceptively calm.
Adriana ran to her husband and grabbed his arm with practiced affection.
"This wretched girl stole from me while I was resting," she lied flawlessly, pointing at the diamonds.
Tomas held up the glittering necklace as absolute proof of the crime.
"I caught her red-handed trying to sneak out, boss," Tomas added with a smooth, loyal nod.
Ronan looked closely at Mave, studying the sheer terror written across her pale face.
He had hired Mave five years ago specifically because she was quiet, honest, and highly observant.
He knew in his gut that she was not a common thief.
"Is this accusation true, Mave?" Ronan asked quietly, stepping closer to her.
Mave looked at Adriana, who was glaring at her with a silent, deadly promise of violence.
If Mave exposed the affair right now, Tomas would likely shoot them all to cover his tracks.
She had to be incredibly smart to survive this nightmare.
"I am so sorry, sir," Mave lied, bowing her head in fake shame.
Adriana smirked in total victory, her chest puffing out with pride.
"Throw her out on the street like the trash she is," Adriana demanded sharply.
Ronan nodded slowly, but his sharp eyes never left Mave's tightly clenched hands.
"Pack your things and leave my property immediately," Ronan ordered, his tone devoid of emotion.
Mave turned and walked silently toward the servant quarters to collect her meager belongings.
She felt utterly defeated as she walked out the back door into the freezing winter rain.
As she reached the heavy iron gates, a sleek black town car pulled up directly beside her.
The tinted back window rolled down slowly to reveal Ronan Castellano sitting inside.
"Get in," he commanded softly.
Mave hesitated for a second, then climbed into the luxurious leather seat out of the rain.
Ronan handed her a clean towel to dry her face before locking the doors.
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"Now," Ronan said, his voice dropping to a dangerous, conspiratorial whisper.
"Tell me exactly why you just let my wife frame you for robbery."
